The link below has just dropped into my twitter acount.

http://www.peticaopublica.com/PeticaoVer.aspx?pi=P2012N26118

An online public petition has just been launched calling for the Government to take action against the proposed strike actions in June, July and August by the TAP and NAV(Air Traffic Control Unions).

I have no time right now to do a full correct translation of the text of the petition, so here is a Google Translate Mashup:

"How is your knowledge of the course are scheduled for periods between 29 June and 5 August a series of strikes among pilots TAP Air Traffic Controllers, which can significantly affect the year in tourist travel, which in itself is not going well

The pre-strike notices of TAP and NAV which in total amounted to 14 days of downtime, are already causing a large number of cancellations for holidays in Portugal.

With say, well the President of the Confederation of Tourism of Portugal "More than the increase in VAT or lack of financing to companies, the decline in the number of tourists from these outages can be devastating for the industry."

Operators and travel agencies are already starting to report that foreigners wishing to holiday in Portugal this year, are changing our country for other destinations such as Turkey.

We urge the V Exc ª s for Urgent measures are taken, if necessary using civil requisition of these professionals, if not definitely want to kill the "goose that lays golden eggs" that is tourism, export activity."

If you are interested in signing the petition the link to the online form is here:

http://www.peticaopublica.com/PeticaoAssinar.aspx?pi=P2012N26118

Please pass this on to as many people you know in the travel/tourism sector.

The sooner these unions get the message that they are not the only ones suffering from the "Crise", the better!